The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has proposed remedies in regards to Microsoft’s plans to acquire Activision Blizzard. The company was not satisfied.
In a 33-page response, Microsoft objects to the CMA’s suggestion that some of Activision Blizzard’s businesses and properties be divested before the acquisition proceeds on the grounds that it is “highly uncertain and impracticable.” Moreover, this apparently would prevent the company from “achieving its key strategic objective – namely building a mobile gaming business with sufficient scale in order to challenge Google and Apple.”
Microsoft is talking about Call of Duty Mobile and Warzone Mobile, as well as Diablo Immortal, Hearthstone, and Warcraft Arclight Rumble. The company claims divestment would mean specifically losing out on exclusive Call of Duty content.
So in turn, Microsoft suggested a 10-year deal with Sony in regards to Call of Duty games being available on PlayStation platforms. And the same for Nintendo. Therefore, no exclusivity — including timed — during this promised period at the very least. Microsoft also offered up the ability for Sony to put Call of Duty on PS Plus on day one if it so desires.
Additionally, the company proposed a similar deal that would enable cloud gaming providers to gain access to Call of Duty and other games that Activision Blizzard publishes on PC.
These deals have already been inked with some cloud providers and Nintendo.
Still, Sony is skeptical. Accessibility aside, the company responded with fear that Microsoft will not only raise the price of Call of Duty but make the PlayStation port riddled with bugs and errors.
Matthew D’Onofrio, News Editor
Matthew “dinofries” D’Onofrio is a writer, content creator, and — most importantly — a gamer. With such a strong passion for video games and a severe case of FOMO, it’s no surprise he always has his finger on the pulse of the gaming world (And won’t shut up about it). On the rare occasion Matt’s away from a screen, you’ll find him strumming away on his acoustic guitar or taking care of his cat Totoro.
